European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Early detection and compliance to prescribed treatment is important to avoid life threatening complications among those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The present study aimed to assess adherence to prescribed medications and associated factors among patients with NCDs.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional survey done among patients with diagnosed with NCDs attending outpatient clinic of Medicine department to determine the prevalence of non adherence. To assess medication adherence, the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used. Patients were divided into two groups for the purposes of analysis: those with poor medication adherence (MMAS-8 score less than 6) and those with moderate to high medication adherence (MMAS-8 score more than 6). (MMAS-8 6 or above).
Comparison of patient related variables was done using chi-square test
Results: Out of 232 patients, 22% had low compliance to drug therapy. Mean age of the patients was 48.5 years, ranging from 30 to 78 years. Increasing age and female gender were found to be significantly associated with low medication compliance. Literacy, employment status, alcohol and tobacco consumption were not found to be significantly associated with low medication compliance. In addition, having only one non-communicable disease, disease duration more than 5 years and having to take five to six medications were found to be associated with low medication adherence.
Conclusions: Approximately one-fifth of patients adhered poorly with their medications. Patients must be sufficiently motivated and counselled in order to adhere to their medication regimens. Further study is required to assess the efficacy of different educational techniques for promoting patient medication adherence.